Christine Milne Out, Richard Di Natale In As Greens Leader

A massive shakeup in #auspol today.

Greens leader Christine Milne has sent shockwaves through Canberra after announcing her surprise resignation.

Senator Milne also revealed she would not be contesting her Senate seat in the next election, The Australian reports.

“After 25 years in politics, I am looking forward to spending more time in my beautiful home state of Tasmania, with friends and family, and especially as I am soon to be a grandmother, “ she said in an official statement released by the Greens.

Within hours, a vote had been held to elect a new federal leader. First-term Victorian senator Richard Di Natale was selected unopposed to take on the role.

Western Australian Senator Scott Ludlam and Queensland Senator Larissa Waters were elected co-deputy leaders.

On the unconventional job-sharing of his new deputies, Senator Di Natale was optimistic.

“Now I know it doesn’t fit what normally happens in this place but God knows this place needs some modernising and I think it is a terrific proposal,” he told media soon after the vote.

Outgoing deputy leader, Adam Bandt, did not contest his position during the ballot.

On Twitter, Bandt, who had been an early favourite to nab the leadership position, congratulated the “new team.”

“V happy to hand over Deputy to focus on new baby (due in few wks!) & winning further Reps seats in Vic & NSW.”